In-Camera Off-Center Zoom-Twirl

[Chris Starbuck]

On a windy morning at a photo workshop last year one of the leaders gave us a special assignment (way off-topic for the workshop): Shoot blurry flowers. This is one of mine, using a technique that I play with a bit now and then. Of necessity, it's handheld. With a twist-type zoom lens and a long exposure, hold the zoom ring stationary while twisting the camera (the opposite of what's usually done during a zoom). This produces a spiral effect in the subject. If you also start with the center of interest off-center in the frame, and carefully move the camera in that direction during the exposure, you can keep the COI off-center in-camera without needing to crop in PP. I didn't do it in this image (rats!:eek:), but adding 2nd-curtain flash can help add some sharpness to the COI. My technique is by no means perfected yet, but I think it's fun.

Canon 20D, Tamron 28-300 zoomed from 28 to 300, 3-stop ND, ISO 100, 1.3 sec @ f/22, handheld.
ACR: exposure tweak, warmed the WB, reduced noise
PSCS2: full frame (uncropped), boosted contrast with several techniques, fairly aggressive large-radius sharpening with an edge-derived mask, burned/dodged

All comments/critiques welcomed!

Chris

[Julie Kenward]

I think it's fun, too! Love the effect you got on the outer parts. I wish one or two flowers in the center of the swirl were more in focus but this is really beautiful as is. Nice work!!!

[Joanna Trescott]

Chris. Thanks for the description. When you get less than great conditions, there are so many ways to use what is given. I have never tried turning the camera. I will try this. This has such nice colors -- I would defintely use some actions on this one!

[Chris Starbuck]

I wish one or two flowers in the center of the swirl were more in focus

Me too.:) Next time I try this I've got to remember the 2nd-curtain flash. And maybe bracing my hand on top of my tripod.

I posted this mainly because I think the technique has potential, and wanted to give you all some food for thought. But I'm glad you like this one, too.

Chris

[Chris Starbuck]

I would defintely use some actions on this one!

Hmm... maybe (not my strongest interest). I mainly wanted to illustrate what can be done in-camera. I'd really like to see what you (and others) can do with this technique.

Chris

[Fabs Forns]

Very beautiful, my wish is that the sharp ones would be more on the rules of thirds placement. Very nicely done and thanks for sharing your technique with us :)

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Chris,
I have been pushing myself to try things like this. Personally...........i like that it's all OOF........but maybe everyone is on to something..........sharp.......then OOF. I'll be giving it a try.

[denise ippolito]

Hi Chris- the colors are spectacular! I can't wait to try this.

[Chris Starbuck]

Very beautiful, my wish is that the sharp ones would be more on the rules of thirds placement. Very nicely done and thanks for sharing your technique with us :)

Thanks. I really was trying for ROT placement, and some of the other attempts that morning got closer, but didn't look as good overall. Zoom, twist, and pan the aim-point all at the same time, handheld, is kind of tricky. I'll keep practicing!

Chris